What is criminology?
Discover what to expect from a degree in criminology
Thanks to rolling news and countless television dramas, crime is rarely far from our minds. But how often do we actually look beyond the headlines and ask the necessary questions?
A criminology degree delves into the whys and wherefores behind crime – the root causes and the effects. It is a law degree that is all about humans, according to criminology lecturer Angela Charles. Who did it? Why did they do it? And what is the best way to stop it from being done again?
“It is about law and legislation, but it is also about real people and how they are affected,” says Angela. “Criminology allows you to be critical of the law and how it has been designed. Does it punish the poor and let the rich off? Does it only punish specific crimes? What new policies have been implemented to deal with crime and disorder and have they been effective? This is the type of critical thinking that you will learn on a criminology degree.”
Further along in the course they can begin to specialise in a particular area. Some students might look at a specific aspect of the prison system, or ways of helping criminals reform. Others might focus on issues such as corporate or environmental crime. The learning takes place through a mix of formal lectures, as well as smaller study groups where the issues can be debated and dissected.
“We also look at race, sexuality, class and gender and how they link to crime and punishment,” adds Angela. “It’s important for us to focus on contemporary issues – the things that are happening right now in society – and that means that our students can take part in some really cutting edge research that is relevant, and important.”
“You could become a specialist in a certain type of crime or criminal behaviour,” adds Angela. “You could go into the civil service and work on policy, or you could find a job in restorative justice and work with the victims of crime. There’s so much that you could do, the options are limitless and the work can be really rewarding.”
If you are interested in studying criminology at degree level then it is advisable to look for a course that gives access to a variety of professionals who can give you the broadest possible understanding of the potential roles and specialisms available. It is only by having a range of experience at your fingertips that you can start to make decisions about the specialist areas that might appeal to you.
Angela has worked in the probation service and is also currently carrying out research into the effects of prison on black women. She says: “I know how important and rewarding this type of work can be. It is hard work but it is important, and you can have these days when you know you have made a difference to somebody’s life, and that feels amazing.”
Work experience is another great way to learn about the subject and the full breadth of it. Spending time in court or talking to professionals can be invaluable. “We help our students set up work experience so they can get an in-depth understanding of how these different roles and departments work”, adds Angela. “We also learn from real-life scenarios and case studies because it brings it all to life and keeps us relevant. Law and crime are always changing, and ensuring that we stay current, and look at what is happening right now, is so important to us.”
For more information about studying criminology visit The University of Law.
A criminology degree delves into the whys and wherefores behind crime – the root causes and the effects. It is a law degree that is all about humans, according to criminology lecturer Angela Charles. Who did it? Why did they do it? And what is the best way to stop it from being done again?
“It is about law and legislation, but it is also about real people and how they are affected,” says Angela. “Criminology allows you to be critical of the law and how it has been designed. Does it punish the poor and let the rich off? Does it only punish specific crimes? What new policies have been implemented to deal with crime and disorder and have they been effective? This is the type of critical thinking that you will learn on a criminology degree.”
Contemporary issues
Angela teaches on the BA in Criminology and the BA in Criminology and Sociology courses at the London Bloomsbury campus of The University of Law. Students on her courses complete a series of compulsory introductory modules such as society and punishment, criminal justice, and the effects of drugs in the criminal justice system, so that they gain a broad understanding of the subject.Further along in the course they can begin to specialise in a particular area. Some students might look at a specific aspect of the prison system, or ways of helping criminals reform. Others might focus on issues such as corporate or environmental crime. The learning takes place through a mix of formal lectures, as well as smaller study groups where the issues can be debated and dissected.
“We also look at race, sexuality, class and gender and how they link to crime and punishment,” adds Angela. “It’s important for us to focus on contemporary issues – the things that are happening right now in society – and that means that our students can take part in some really cutting edge research that is relevant, and important.”
So what careers might a criminology degree lead to?
The criminal justice system offers a varied choice of potential roles, from working in prisoner reform, within the court service, or in probation. All of these roles could see you working with offenders to plan strategies to help them get back on their feet after prison, help them find accommodation or employment and education possibilities, and ideally, avoid reoffending.“You could become a specialist in a certain type of crime or criminal behaviour,” adds Angela. “You could go into the civil service and work on policy, or you could find a job in restorative justice and work with the victims of crime. There’s so much that you could do, the options are limitless and the work can be really rewarding.”
If you are interested in studying criminology at degree level then it is advisable to look for a course that gives access to a variety of professionals who can give you the broadest possible understanding of the potential roles and specialisms available. It is only by having a range of experience at your fingertips that you can start to make decisions about the specialist areas that might appeal to you.
Expert guidance
The University of Law students meet with a number of experts throughout their course, including people from the police service, prisons and restorative justice programmes. It can also be helpful if your lecturers have hands-on experience in the field.Angela has worked in the probation service and is also currently carrying out research into the effects of prison on black women. She says: “I know how important and rewarding this type of work can be. It is hard work but it is important, and you can have these days when you know you have made a difference to somebody’s life, and that feels amazing.”
Work experience is another great way to learn about the subject and the full breadth of it. Spending time in court or talking to professionals can be invaluable. “We help our students set up work experience so they can get an in-depth understanding of how these different roles and departments work”, adds Angela. “We also learn from real-life scenarios and case studies because it brings it all to life and keeps us relevant. Law and crime are always changing, and ensuring that we stay current, and look at what is happening right now, is so important to us.”
For more information about studying criminology visit The University of Law.
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